Theory of light scattering by the spin-wave excitations of thin ferromagnetic films

Abstract

We discuss the theory of light scattering by surface and standing spin-wave excitations of a thin ferromagnetic film with magnetization parallel to the surface. The theory includes the influence of both exchange and dipolar interactions between the spins, the effect of the demagnetizing field generated by the spin motion, and spin pinning at both the upper and lower surface. We use the theory to carry out a series of numerical studies of the light scattering spectra which illustrate a number of general features of the scattering process. We compare the results of the calculations with the recent experimental data of Grimsditch, Malozemoff, and Brunseh.